My older sister, Jessamy, started kindergarten in our garage that my mother had converted into a school room. While I spent most of my time playing on the rug, I enjoyed hearing the alphabet, counting, and hearing my sister practice her phonics with my mom. I was incredibly excited when I finally got to start kindergarten.
My mother home schooled my sister and I solidly through each of our 7th grade years. We had never been to a public school, nor did we feel like we were missing anything. Our family was involved with a home school support group which met every Friday. I enjoyed making friends, participating in classes taught by other parents, and going on field trips.
When it came time for my sister to enter 8th grade, she decided to try public school, which was a choice my parents gave her. I continued my 7th grade education at home, though I became a bit lonely without the companionship of my former classmate. When 8th grade came for me, I decided to follow suit and go to the same school my sister had attended for 8th grade.
While attending 8th grade at a public school, I finally realized how great of an education I had received at home. At 13 years old, I felt like my public school education was going no where fast, and it was then that I decided I wanted to become a teacher. It was my vision to take my home school experience and apply it to the public school world. I wanted to change things. I wanted to excite students' learning. I wanted children to feel valued as individuals. Because of the lack of a quality education I received at this public school, I decided to drop down to half time. I only went to the school in the afternoons to learn history, health, and science.
After finishing 8th grade, I decided to give public high school a try. I liked it a lot better and attended all four years. I credit my home school foundation with the success of my public high school career. I was at the top of my class, earned straight As, took advanced placement (AP) classes, and graduated as the only female valedictorian in my year. I earned many scholarships that helped to pay my college tuition.
Following high school graduation, I attended Western Oregon University to pursue my degree in elementary education. I finished college in 3 years and 7 months, graduated magna cum laude, and was hired by the Salem-Keizer School District to teach in one of their schools.
I taught over 140 students during my time as a public school teacher, attended professional development workshops and conferences, was mentored, practiced a variety of teaching skills and strategies, and learned everything they never tell you in college about teaching. I am excited to get back into the home school community and use my knowledge and skills to propel the education of our youth forward.
